Bhubaneswar: Rituals at Puri Jagannath temple were delayed for nearly five hours on Wednesday due to dispute between two groups of servitors.
According to sources, Jagannath-Rukmani marriage rituals were supposed to be held on Tuesday night to mark Rukmani Harana Ekadasi. Rituals remained incomplete as an altercation ensued between Pujapanda and Singari servitors.
The ‘Hataganthi Fita’ ritual which was supposed to be performed on Ekadasi, was held after 5 hours, sources said.
It is pertinent to mention that the ritual of Rukmani Harana Ekadasi is observed on the occasion of Jyestha Sukla Ekadasi which falls on the 11th day of the bright fortnight of Jyestha month. On this day, Sri Jagannath gets adorned with Baula Pata and sends his representative Madanmohan to kidnap Rukmini. Madanmohan abducts Rukmini and whisks her away from Bimala temple while she is offering her prayer.
Shishupala, who is supposed to get married, chases the duo. As a result, a war between Sri Jagannath and Shishupala ensues and the former conquers at last. Servitors will perform rituals on behalf of Lord Jagannath and solemnise Rukmani’s marriage with Lord Jagannath preparations start for the grand wedding.
